Monday, December 28, 2015

Do you panic when you hear about Chiropractic Doctors (CD)? Have
you ever questioned the chiropractic profession? If you ever do, you're
not alone. It's probably because a lot of debates and arguments are
ongoing about the nature and activities of chiropractic treatments. So
do you want to clear up your mind on whether chiropractic therapy is
safe for you? Well, first, we need to define the term chiropractic and
then analyze what chiropractic doctors do. The word chiropractic is
derived from the Greek and means 'to perform with the hands'. This is
because the most important component in a chiropractor's treatment is
the manual treatment of the joints and muscles of the body. But is this
treatment any good for you? Below are four reasons why chiropractic
therapy is OK for you:

It's Safe

Chiropractic therapy is
safe for you. Basically, when a patient visits a Chiropractic Doctor
(CD), the Chiropractic Doctor will examine the patient first to see if
he or she is eligible for chiropractic treatment, just as the medical
doctor always does before treating a patient. Although, the title, 'Dr',
as used by chiropractors, doesn't imply a medical qualification,
chiropractors used it as a courtesy of a highly respective profession.
The term 'chiropractor' is protected by law - anyone referring to
themselves as a chiropractor has to be registered with the General
Chiropractic Council, who can also provide details of registered
chiropractors. So when you're afflicted with muscle or joint pain, but
doubting whether to visit a chiropractor, be rest assured that you would
be in safe hands. Chiropractic doctors are well-trained professionals
who can treat your injuries specially.

It's Painless

Chiropractic
treatment is painless. Chiropractors used their physical hands to treat
all the pains in the patient's body. Whether you're suffering from
lower back or neck pain, chiropractors relieved your pains using various
techniques such as deep-tissue massage which is drug-free, risk-free
and pain-free. Chiropractic therapy is definitely good for you.

This
is another icing on the cake about chiropractic treatment. Chiropractic
therapy not only examines the cause of your ailment and treats it heads
on; it does that in a relaxed and soothing way as well. Chiropractic
Doctors usually treat the patient while the patient is lying down on
soft elevated bed. Using only their bare hands, chiropractors manipulate
the pain areas of the tissue, ease the nerves and improve body
circulation of the patient as he or she lies down in a relaxed fashion.

Chiropractic
therapy is very effective in treating different injuries and tensions
in the body. It has proven great success in the past years, improving
the health condition of millions of patients. It's safe, painless and
comforting. Should you have any back pain or muscle contraction,
chiropractic treatment is the right solution for you.

Tuesday, December 22, 2015

Sciatica is an abnormal health condition which causes people to
have problems with pain in their leg. Sometimes it is called sciatic
nerve pain. It is associated with pain in the lower back, buttock and
leg or foot. Sometimes the pain in the leg is described as a numbness,
tingling, burning or an ache. For some people it is a mild annoyance but
for others it may be excruciating.

Sciatic nerve problems will
occur in 10% of people, most commonly affecting those aged 25 to 45
years old. The nerves originate in the lower back and travel all the way
down to both feet. In the buttock area the sciatic nerve is the largest
nerve in the human body and is about the thickness of our thumb. As it
travels down the leg the nerve decreases in size and gives branches off
to various aspects of our legs and feet.

Normally there should be
no problems with the sciatic nerve. However the most common problem
affecting it tends to come from a problem from a disc in the lower back.
The discs of the lowest part of our spine are called the lumbar discs.
They are small pads or cushions between the bones of the lower spine
which are called the lumbar vertebrae.

Generally what happens to
the lumbar discs is that a portion of it bulges, protrudes or herniates
backward putting pressure or impinging upon the sciatic nerve. Sometimes
the term "slipped disc" is used but this is really not a true
descriptive medical term. There can be various reasons for problems with
the disc such as a sudden trauma or prolonged wear and tear occurring
over time.

Most people with a lumbar disc and sciatic nerve
problem experience the worst of their pain early in the morning towards
the end of their normal sleep time and the first hour or two after
arising from bed. People who have occupations requiring them to sit in
an office or drive a vehicle tend to be particularly uncomfortable with
this condition.

The typical medical treatment for sciatica tends
to include medications aimed at reducing inflammation. At times surgery
is undertaken. Most studies show that taking medication provides only
temporary relief. Some experts feel that only 1% of disc and sciatic
nerve problems actually need surgery.

Chiropractic care is a
natural healthcare alternative to conventional treatment of sciatica and
lumbar disc problems. Chiropractors will initially see a patient and
discuss the problem with them, perform a physical examination, and
evaluate x-rays and other imaging such as MRIs. Chiropractic treatment
is aimed at gently tractioning and repositioning the lumbar bones so as
to take pressure off the disc. By doing this the bulging or protruding
area of the disc is reduced resulting in less irritation of the sciatic
nerve. Chiropractors may also use electrical stimulation to relax
muscles and recommend the patient use cold packs over the area to reduce
inflammation. Chiropractors will also discuss utilizing rehabilitative
exercises and lifestyle recommendations that patients will need to
follow through on at home and work.

Some studies have shown that
90% of lumbar disc problems causing sciatica are helped with
chiropractic care. The sooner the patient visits a doctor of
chiropractic the sooner they are likely to experience relief, be able to
sleep, work and enjoy life the way it is meant to be.

Saturday, December 19, 2015

Mostly everyone will agree that chiropractic care can certainly
address all manner of physical ailments. In fact, the ability of
talented chiropractors to treat physical injuries and strains in a
holistic manner has allowed the field to grow as a popular alternative
to traditional medical treatments. While many are well aware of the
numerous benefits associated with chiropractic care, few realize the
truly wide scope of treatment via chiropractic medicine. Case in point,
few realize that chiropractors offer viable migraine headache treatment.

This
might come as a great surprise to many because very few will
automatically think a visit to a chiropractor's office is the right
solution for dealing with a tension headache. Yet, as many will attest,
exploring the treatment options made available by chiropractic care may
be the best thing to do when dealing with serious migraine headache
ailments.

A closer examination of how chiropractic care works
quickly reveals that there should not be much surprise to its
effectiveness with dealing with migraines. Chiropractic treatment can
certainly alleviate the common underlying factors which can cause a
migraine headache. For example, muscle tension in the neck region is a
common factor that contributes to the presence of a migraine headache. Chiropractic treatment can reduce such tension which, in turn, can
reduce the frequency in which migraine headaches occur.

There are
scores of other physical ailments which can contribute to migraine
headaches. These ailments can include limited mobility in the neck,
excess tension in the shoulders or back, or postural misalignments in
the spine. Once such problems are effectively addressed, the consistency
of dealing with a migraine headache may very well be reduced.

Of course, questions will still arise regarding the safety and effectiveness of this methodology.

Is
there any concrete proof that chiropractic treatment is a better
option? And how can potential patients be sure that chiropractic care
may be better for them than traditional treatments methods?

There
has been quite a bit of research and work performed by those seeking to
establish the merits of chiropractic care to treat a migraine headache.
Recently, a study was performed that included a group of people who
suffered from tension headaches. These headache sufferers fell into two
groups - those that underwent six weeks of chiropractic care and those
that took traditional medication for the same six week period. At the
conclusion of the study, both groups of patients had experienced
noticeable improvements. However, it was duly noted that the patients
who underwent chiropractic care treatment had far fewer side effects.
Once the six week treatment concluded, those that underwent chiropractic
care did not experience a return of their headache symptoms. Those that
had taken traditional medication saw their symptoms return almost
immediately.

With such information available, it is strongly
advised that anyone with a serious migraine headache problem should look
towards an appointment with a well established chiropractor. The reason
is simple: chiropractic medicine may very well be able to provide the
much needed solution to your headache woes.

Wednesday, December 16, 2015

The art and science of the practice of Chiropractic has been
around for over 100 years and can be a valuable tool for the person
seeking improvement in health and wellness. Chiro- is derived from the
Greek word for hand and praktikos - meaning the practice of or
practical. Generally speaking Chiropractic focuses on finding small
misalignments in the spine or vertebral column termed subluxations
(luxation is a complete dislocation) and aligning the relationship of
one vertebrae to the next one. These subluxations or misalignments in
the spine are commonplace and can happen due to posture or chronic
repetitive movements as well as acute pathology, injury and even
pregnancy.

Chiropractic has over the last hundred years become
mainstream moving from Eastern philosophy to becoming a part of Western
medicine. Fundamentally, traditional Western medicine had treated the
disease or pathology or symptom from the outside in with computer
diagnostic equipment, medications and surgery. In contrast, Chiropractic
is based on diagnosing the underlying cause of the disease or symptom
with the premise that the central nervous system and related sympathetic
and parasympathic system controls all body functions and operates like a
computer program. The nervous system is comprised of nerve pairings
which are split to perform their respective functions. Each pairing is
split into a sympathetic branch to the muscles for fight or flight
instincts as well as a parasympathetic branch for rest and digestion
functions.

With a general understanding of the history and
philosophy of Chiropractic let us now look at how this discipline can be
used to assist in the achievement of improving and maintaining health
and wellness. Few if any of us are fortunate enough to get through this
life without experiencing spine or extremity misalignments. These
misalignments can come as early as the birthing process! Then from
toddlers through school age adolescence it is rare to not be involved in
accidents such as falls, sports accidents, car accidents, poor sleep
and sitting postures. As we get old enough to work there becomes more
opportunity for postural imbalances and work and auto accidents. Then as
we age into hopefully better health habits we face new obstacles in the
form of arthritis and generally decreased activity. The list of who can
benefit from Chiropractic is a simple answer...everyone can to some
extent. How much one can benefit and how often treatment is required
depends on many factors including age and acuteness or age of condition.

Chiropractic
is by nature not a treatment of conditions but rather an alignment of
the body to heal itself by being able to function as efficiently as
possible. With that being stated however, patients have increasingly
chosen Chiropractic to improve and at times alleviate symptoms such as
headaches, back pain, shoulder pain, knee pain as well as helping with
arm and leg pain and numbness, disc problems and much more.

Most
importantly Chiropractic should be considered as a resource in achieving
and maintaining an optimal state of health and wellness. Chiropractic
has become a leader in alternative medicine and natural healing. With
much criticism by Western medicine and western model insurance
companies, Chiropractic has had to prove its necessity through word of
mouth for much of the past hundred years.

Starting with the
champion San Francisco 49er's of the 1980's Chiropractic became
introduced into the NFL with documented positive outcomes for the star
players of the team. Many of the players were in fact documented
attributing Chiropractic to helping prolong their careers. Today it is
commonplace for all sporting teams from high school to professionals to
have Chiropractic be a part of the healthcare team.

Health and
wellness therefore requires a combination of considerations to achieving
optimal function. Chiropractic can be used effectively to achieve and
maintain efficiency as well as assist following any occupational or
environmental stressors that create injury, postural or nerve
imbalances. Remember, do all you can to achieve health and
wellness...the quantity and quality of your life depends on it. Best
wishes.

Sunday, December 13, 2015

Our traditional health care treatments today cost a great deal of
money. However, one cannot simply ignore a health disorder and allow it
to get more serious. It is better to act now and cater our health
concerns. We cannot avoid the fact that we need health care to optimize
our body's function. We need a natural and affordable health care
provider that can help us with our health concerns.

In the
beginning, chiropractic care received criticisms in the field of health
care. Later on, scientific studies pointed out its effectiveness to the
general health status of patients. Since that time, many doctors and
medical practitioners started to acknowledge its usefulness to the
medical field. Chiropractic care naturally awakens the vigor of the body
and can naturally cure health disorders.

Long term medication
regimen and intrusive surgical interventions are highly expensive and
can cost a great deal of fortune. In addition, frequent visits and
follow-up health checks to various medical facilities are costly and
consume much of your time and energy. For most diseases, you'll probably
have to comply with those in order to get better.

Presently,
there is an innovative way to manage and cure diseases. Chiropractic
care is a health care profession which theorizes that spinal dysfunction
interferes with the proper functioning of the nervous system. For this
reason, disorders of the body and health deterioration occur.

Chiropractic
care focuses on the link between the musculoskeletal structure and body
function and how that link influences the general health status of an
individual. Manipulation of the joints and spine are the core techniques
used by doctors of chiropractic. They also provide fitness counseling
and wellness exercises that enhances overall vitality. Chiropractors
utilize cost-saving care that normalizes the patients' body function.

With
regards to the present day's complicated health care system,
traditional health care professionals cure diseases. On the other hand,
chiropractic care doctors avoid those drastic surgery and prescription
drugs regimen. They practice ways to keep patients well by giving
emphasis on fitness and disease prevention.

If you opt to be
healed the natural way of chiropractic therapy, you will only be paying
$35 to $70 per session. However, this usually depends on the severity of
your condition. Many chiropractic doctors take health insurance or set
up payment plans, while some only take cash payments. Some may also give
a person some discounts if the circumstances are right. Chiropractic
care providers sometimes charge costly fees because some patients need
to have several series of treatments.

As mentioned, case studies
and scientific research can now prove the effectiveness of chiropractic
care to the general health condition of an individual. Health care
providers now believe on its usefulness in the medical field. Medication
regimen and surgical management are often costly and take much of your
time and energy. Thankfully, the natural way of chiropractic care costs
less than conventional interventions. There are even insurance options
and payment plans to help you access chiropractic therapy. Any health
care improvement curriculum should suggest access to chiropractic
therapy to achieve the most favorable health improvements and monetary
satisfaction.

Thursday, December 10, 2015

Around 80% of adults in the US are bothered by back pain at some
point. Back pain is the 5th most common reason for patient visits to
doctors offices. The research is in regarding patient satisfaction with
their chiropractic treatment, in fact it has been in for over 2 decades.
Chiropractic patients are extremely satisfied with their care and
overwhelmingly would decide to seek chiropractic care again.
While
practicing, I noticed that over 75% of my patients had been under the
care of a chiropractic doctor prior to coming in. Routinely, they had
been doing very well until their scoliosis, spinal stenosis,
spondylolisthesis, etc. worsened considerably. But I was amazed at how
mainstream chiropractic care had become and how well the patients
reported it had worked.

According to a 2000 Florida study over 92%
of patients who had seen chiropractic doctors before would seek out
chiropractic care again.

A recent survey of 14,000 consumers in
May 2009 by Consumer Reports showed that 88% of those who had tried
chiropractic manipulation were satisfied with how much it helped.

I attribute the overwhelming satisfaction of chiropractic care to four things.

1)
First of all, chiropractors receive excellent training regarding the
musculoskeletal system including anatomy and physical examination. So
when they examine patients with back pain comprehensively and then speak
with them about the specifics of what they find, patients by and large
feel as if they have been properly taken care of with the work up.

2)
Secondly, chiropractic doctors do not try to cure their patients in
five minutes. Treatment plans routinely span weeks to months. This is
not a scam. Inevitably it took a while for one's back to end up in the
situation where it hurts. It may have started with a sneeze, but
something had been brewing with a degenerative disc probably for years.
No different than a physical therapy regimen takes weeks to months, so
does a proper chiropractic regimen to provide appropriate pain relief
and build the framework for a healthy future. This time in the office
allows patients to develop a bond with their chiropractor, no different
than how a patient develops an affection for his or her primary care
doctor. Except one doesn't see his or her primary care doctor a few
times a week for months usually.

3) Third, chiropractors often
institute physical therapy (called physiotherapy) and spinal
decompression regimens into treatment plans. What happens is the patient
then receives a comprehensive treatment plan that benefits them in a
well rounded method than just receiving a spinal adjustment. People who
think all chiropractic doctors do is "rack them and crack them" would be
very surprised to see the therapy departments their offices contain.
Patients receive ice (cryotherapy), heat, elecrical stimulation, spinal
decompression, core strengthening, lumbar stabilization, and other
modalities for pain relief.

4) Fourth, chiropractic treatment is
cost effective. When one considers the cost of surgery, hospital
admissions, and name brand medications, a visit to a chiropractor is
significantly less expensive. The cost benefit ratio is substantially in
its favor.

Based on these four reasons, it became clear to me why
chiropractic manipulation and services are so effective and make an
overwhelming amount of patients satisfied.

David L. Greene, MD is CEO of Preferred Pain Center in Phoenix,
Arizona which serves the Phoenix and Scottsdale Az metropolitan and
surrounding areas. He can be reached at dgreene@preferredpaincenter.com and (602) 507-6550. Preferred
Pain Center is a Comprehensive Pain Center including Medical and
Interventional Pain Management, Chiropractic, Physical Therapy, Spinal
Decompression Therapy, Naturopathic Medicine, and Manipulation Under
Anesthesia. The website is http://www.preferredpaincenter.com and the Blog of Pain is [http://blog.preferredpaincenter.com]

Monday, December 7, 2015

The continued rise in the usage of chiropractic care has been
ongoing. Studies continue to demonstrate the numbers rising and the
increase of people using chiropractic health care. In one issue of American Journal of Public Health,
a study was published entitled "Use of Chiropractic Services from 1895
through 1991 in the United States and Canada". The conclusion of this
study was that the number of visits to chiropractors has more than
doubled in the past 20 years. Many recommend this particular treatment
method due to the non-invasive approach and its insistence on awakening
the body's natural ability to heal and become healthier, stronger and
more resilient.

The Healing Benefits Of Chiropractic

Most
people in their everyday lives have things happen that effect their
bodies. Dysfunction in their musculoskeletal system can benefit from
chiropractic care. From pain relief, injury rehabilitation, optimal
athletic performance, aging and improved immune function. These are all
some the benefits a person may undergo when they have misaligned spine,
back, or neck. For people who need to be physically active for their
work, sport and daily responsibilities, the presence of such dysfunction
disables them from performing well. This is due to the fact that any
form of movement on the traumatized area of the body can result in
stress and possibly more damage causing more pain and discomfort.

Regardless
of the cause of your initial pain and problems, among the many benefits
research shows you may enjoy as a result of chiropractic care are as
follows:

• better movement and improved circulation

• lower levels of lactic acid

• higher oxygenation and better nutrient delivery to cells

• increased flexibility

• improved comfort and decrease or elimination of pain

• Faster recovery time

• Reduced muscle spasm

• Prevention of future injury and improved immune function

• More relaxed feeling

The Overall Approach

If
you want to enhance the benefits of chiropractic care, it is best to
combine your efforts with an overall approach to your health and well
being. Health is not merely the absence of pain and symptoms. If you
have ever had a cavity, you know that by the time the pain shows up, the
damage to your tooth is already there. The healthier you are, and the
healthier you become the greater the potential benefits of your
chiropractic care. Minimise dis-ease and maximise your health. The
relief from any pressure or source of discomfort and irritation will
allow your body to attain maximum mobility and better performance.

Some general recommendations to develop a routine and get the maximum health benefits are the following:

· Maximise your oxygen intake through some forms of aerobic and anaerobic exercise.

Additional Benefits of Chiropractic Care

There is still a small percentage of the population who have misconceptions about the benefits of chiropractic
care. However, research continues to be done, changing these
perceptions and gradually more of the scientific community are showing
greater interest in the healing potential that chiropractic may
represent. One of the misconceptions being that it is not a valid form
of treatment and is used only for mild cases of back pain, headaches,
and the like. However, chiropractic adjustments are being researched to
investigate the benefits even to those suffering from extreme cases of
spinal or vertebral misalignment and other health problems.

Many chiropractors have patients who have benefited beyond musculoskeletal problems, these include:

• women may have improved comfort during pregnancy and labour

• minimise the risk of scoliosis in an infant and improve their postural development.

Some of the results and benefits reported from patients who have undergone chiropractic care include the following:

• Improved immune and nervous system function

• greater vitality

• improved breathing and exercising

• improved digestion and bowel function

• improved vision

• Improved overall health.

Study and research continues as we look at the cause of health and the benefits of chiropractic care!

Following
chiropractic adjustments, your body may start to improve movement and
alignment of the spine and spinal structures. In many cases, a patient
will immediately experience relief for a problem soon after undergoing
chiropractic care. Restoring and building health from the inside is one
of the advantages of opting for chiropractic care over surgical or
medical procedures that often require a long recovery period. In other
cases if the damage or misalignment is more severe, a person may be sore
and still achy after care. Some people may take longer to heal and
demonstrate improvement, they may also need to make other lifestyle
improvements to maximise their health and wellbeing along with improved
pain free movement.

If you approach your health from the
perspective of a way of life, and give your body and mind the essentials
for maximising your health, chiropractic care may be a key ingredient.

Dr. Stacey Burke graduated from Logan College of Chiropractic in
1996 with a Doctor of Chiropractic Degree. He also holds an
International Chiropractic Sports Science Diploma (I.C.S.S.D.). He is
the co-founder of West Coast Family Chiropractic (http://www.westcoastfamilychiropractic.com) in Hillarys, Perth Western Australia. Dr.
Burke has had a passion for health, Chiropractic and nutrition from an
early age. Always involved in sport he has completed the gruelling
Hawaii Ironman Triathlon World Championships on two separate occassions,
and is a six-time Ironman Triathlon finisher. He has also competed in
several marathons including the Boston Marathon. Ice hockey still
remains close to his heart and he still likes to play "oldtimers" hockey
as often as he can. He regularly cycles and loves the West Australian
people and lifestyle. His goal is to help people restore and maintain
their health, and the health of their families and community through
natural chiropractic methods, community outreach, and education.

Friday, December 4, 2015

Chiropractic continues to rise in the medical field because of
the all the benefits it has to offer to everyone's health. Since
chiropractic allows the body to heal itself from within more and more
people are turning to chiropractic a non-invasive treatment for there
health needs.
Common Chiropractic Benefits

Everyone has
dysfunction with their musculoskeletal system and therefore this is why
everyone can benefit from the healing powers of chiropractic. When one
suffers misalignment of the spine problem start occurring in the body
and that person starts to develop muscularskeletal complaints. This
becomes a bigger issue when one is active. This misalignment can affect
his/her performance and limit their motor capacity. Reason for this is
because the body is required to move on a traumatic area which results
to pain or discomfort for that individual.

Regardless of the cause of your initial discomfort, here are the following benefits an individual can enjoy from chiropractic:

Many
people believe that chiropractic treatment is only used for neck, back
pain and headaches. This is an invalid misconception about chiropractic
in general. Chiropractic benefits extend beyond muscoskeletal condition
and different people who suffer from these illnesses experience varying
and tremendous results as well:

• For pregnant women have an easier time delivering.
•Prevents babies from having scoliosis and improve their developmental abilities.
• For kids, it helps prevent asthma, ear infection, bed-wetting, among other things.
• Adults are able to generate more energy and increase productivity throughout their day.
• Senior attain better balance and prevent injury caused by falling off.

* Blood pressure dropped in individuals with high blood pressure.

Meanwhile,
the following results and benefits have been reported by several
individuals that have ongoing chiropractic treatments:

Following
chiropractic treatment, your body will start to realign and relieve
yourself from any pressure that is causing pain in your joints. In some
cases, a patient will immediately experience relief soon after
undergoing chiropractic care. Hence, this is one of the advantages of
opting for chiropractic care over surgical or medical procedures that
often require a long recovery period. With chiropractic the recovery
time is short and benefits are enormous.

In some cases, there
might be a slight feeling of soreness or aching that can be felt with
chiropractic treatment, but this is normal in some individuals. The
reason for this is that your body has to readjust to the realignment
done after being misaligned for a while. Sometimes it takes the body
more time than normal to realize the changes that have been made.

However, it shouldn't take long either before your body can regain its normal function and mobility.

Encino Chiropractic - Dr. Yoav Stein is an Encino chiropractor
who is one of the leading pain specialist in the San Fernando area.
People travel great distances to experience his unique and remarkable
technique. Please visit the website at http://www.drsteinhealing.com to learn more.

Tuesday, December 1, 2015

Though chiropractic has been around for more than a 100 years, is
proven effective for the treatment of back pain that nearly 80% of
people will encounter in their lifetime, it is still only utilized by
12-17% of that population. This fact alone seems staggering but when you
consider that it is far safer option than even taking simple over the
counter medications the story becomes even more bewildering.

According
to a national survey back pain is the most prevalent chronic medical
problem and accounts for and estimated $50 billion to $100 billion in
annual US healthcare costs. With the baby boomer population aging, this
probably can be expected to escalate. Now more than ever the healthcare
community needs to focus on using the most effective and affordable
means of solving the communities health problems in a strait forward and
logical manor.

Chiropractic is Woefully Underutilized

Chiropractic
is the 3rd largest healthcare industry, a distant 3rd. The public
perception is that we are spine specialists, yet we are seldom
recommended as a treatment option in any type of medical literature.
Chiropractic care has a long history of research supporting its
effectiveness and affordability. It is even recognized and included in
the department of defense as basic care. All this and less than 20% of
the population in need finds their way through the chiropractic doors.
And often this is not until they have failed with another care method.

It
would seem that there must be some reason for the underutilization of
this valuable and effective service and there is-- Chiropractors.

Only
recently has chiropractic as a whole tried to integrate with mainstream
medicine. We have battled and raged and tried to stand out all through
the last century. All the while giving us the reputation as a maverick
sort with a huckster vibe promising to cure what ails ya with a quick
twist of the neck. There are still hold outs but the vast majority of
those educated in last 10-15 years have been schooled in an evidence
based approach to treating headache neck and back pain. Make no mistake,
this is the present and future of chiropractic care. Reliable realistic
evidence based care the is part of the overall medical community.

Chiropractors are Portal of Entry Providers Not Primary Care Providers.

This
means that people have direct access to these services similar to
dentists and optometrists and don't need to be approached through the
medical doctor or some other referral source. The flip side of this is
that chiropractors are not primary care providers in that the research
at this time reports that they are effective for musculoskeletal
conditions like headaches neck and back pain. While they are well
educated in nutrition and general health, they are first and fore most
musculoskeletal specialists. See the chiropractor for your back low back
and sciatica, not for your asthma or diabetes.

These are some strong points of Chiropractic.

· Chiropractors are the spinal health experts in the healthcare system.

· Chiropractic has the ability to improve function in the neuromusculoskeletal system, and overall
health, well-being, and quality of life.

·Chiropractic
is a specialized approach to examination, diagnosis, and treatment
based on best available research and clinical evidence, and with
particular emphasis on the relationship between the spine and the
nervous system.

· Chiropractic has a tradition of effectiveness and patient satisfaction.

·Chiropractic
is conservative, clinical, safe treatment approach without the use of
drugs and surgery, enabling patients to avoid these when possible.

Most
research on chiropractic's effectiveness has been done on acute and
chronic lower back pain, acute and chronic neck pain, and headaches.
These three conditions make up make up 95% of the conditions for which
patients seek chiropractic care. These are also the best reasons to
visit your chiropractor.

Headaches neck and back pain is where
chiropractic shines and that is where it's utilization should be.
Chiropractic is a great entry level therapy for these patients.
Chiropractors are well versed in non-invasive treatment that has the
lower risk for harming the patient and the best chance or improvement
than any other option of care. Chiropractic is also the most cost
effective method of care because the evaluation of back pain is the same
as at the Primary care office but fees are lower.

Failure to
improve on a chiropractic trial of evidence based manipulation is not
common. For those who do not progress they can be referred out for more
invasive investigation confident that their current condition will not
respond to manual manipulation. All this adds up to better cheaper care
with the best chance for a positive outcome for the patient.

Unfortunately
this is often the exact opposite route that patients follow arrive at
the chiropractor. They most often find the chiropractic after passing
through surgeries or several other failed procedures and therapies. Thus
taking what may have been a simple acute injury that would have
responded well to conservative care a more complicated and resistant
problem may have gone on too long for chiropractic to be of help.

The
base thing to take away from this article is that chiropractic is not
an end all be all of back pain care that holds all the answers. It is
just a research proven best place to start to logically find a way out
of pain. Properly utilized it is a valuable tool in the physicians
workshop, but a hammer can't drive a nail if you don't pick it up.